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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Orange County reports first death from 'swine flu'

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While most other flu viruses have died down in California as they usually do heading into summer, the so-called "swine flu" is still active. KPCC's Susan Valot says Orange County today announced the county's first swine flu–related death.

The victim is a middle-aged man who lives in Orange County. He had pre-existing health conditions when he came down with the swine flu. He's the first person in Orange County to die from the virus and the fourth in California.

More than 1,000 people in California have been diagnosed with definite or probable swine flu. Eighty-six of those cases are in Orange County.

Usually swine flu is pretty mild, with similar symptoms to other types of flu. They include fever, sore throat, headache, chills, and fatigue. Public health officials continue to advise everyone to wash hands often, cover mouths and noses when sneezing and coughing, and stay home if you think you have the flu.

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